Why recycling matters…

If you’re not already recycling – it’s easy and can really make a difference. Find out the how and what else you may be able to do…

Recycling helps protect the environment

Recycling reduces the need for extracting (mining, quarrying and logging), refining and processing the raw materials – which all create substantial air and water pollution.

Recycling saves energy – so reduces ‘greenhouse gas’ emissions, which helps to tackle climate change. Recycling in the UK saves more than 18 million tonnes of Co2 a year – the same as taking 5 million cars off the road – That’s brilliant!

Recycling reduces landfill

Recyclable materials are made into new products – so the amount of rubbish sent to landfill sites reduces. There more than 1,500 landfill sites in the UK. In 2001, these sites produced a quarter of the UK’s emissions of methane – a gas that causes global warming.

Recycling saves our natural resources

When we recycle, things are converted into new products. But, non recycled new products are made by extracting fresh, raw material from the earth, through mining and forestry. Recycling helps keep important raw materials and also protects animal’s natural habitats.

Recycling saves energy

When making things out of recycled materials, it uses a lot less energy than is needed for making new products from raw materials. Don’t forget the extra energy needed to extract, refine, transport and process raw materials – compared with providing recycled, ‘industryready’ materials.

Top tips for recycling at home

Make life easy – You local Council probably picks up recycling from your kerbside – so take advantage of it. Contact your Council for more information or to find your nearest recycling centre.

Keep it simple – Make space next to your bin for a recycling container – then it’s as simple to recycle as it is to throw it away.

Routine recycling – Make a visit to a bottle, can or other type of recycling bank part of your routine – most supermarkets have these so don’t forget to ‘drop before you shop!’

Remember those glass jars – From jam and baby food jars to spice, pasta sauce and coffee jars – just give them a rinse in your left-over dishwashing water and recycle them. Don’t worry about removing labels, they will come off in the recycling process.

Check the bathroom – Shampoo and shower gel bottles are often forgotten, so rinse out empty bottles whilst you’re in the shower! Putting a recycling bin in your bathroom to collect all those empty bottles and cardboard tubes from inside the toilet roll is a great idea!